A joyful occasion is unfolding for the Vodafone Fijiana XV team as sisters Setaita Railumu and Adi Salaseini Railumu prepare to take the field together for the first time wearing the national white jersey.
Setaita, the elder sibling, has been a crucial part of the Vodafone Fijiana XV since 2022 and has also played for the Fijiana Drua team. In contrast, her younger sister, Adi Salaseini, is making her international debut with the national team.
For the Railumu family, this moment represents a realization of a long-held dream. Setaita expressed her pride in her sister, acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices made during training.
“When I heard the manager call out the names and then my sister’s, I couldn’t hold back my tears! I’m thrilled to represent Fiji alongside my sister. This is a dream come true for our parents, who have supported us since we started our rugby journey,” she shared.
Adi Salaseini recalled their journey together, saying, “We played rugby together in 2019 and won the Women’s Skipper Cup for Tailevu. We both joined the extended national squad in 2021, but it was Setaita who made it to the national team and the Fijiana Drua. Now, I’m excited to join her.”
The younger Railumu sibling aims to make a significant impact in her inaugural test match. She noted, “I have always admired how Setaita plays, and whenever her team won, our family felt immense pride. I want to bring that same joy to our family by helping our team achieve victory.”
Both sisters are eagerly anticipating their first test match in Scotland, scheduled for Sunday, 15th September, at the Hive Stadium, with kick-off at 3:45 am (FJT).
Subsequently, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will make history as they travel to the Netherlands for their inaugural encounter against the Orange Ladies, set for Thursday, 19th September, at the NRCA Stadium in Amsterdam.
Later, the Vodafone Fijiana XV will face strong rivals in the WXV3 tournament, competing against teams from Hong Kong China, Samoa, and Spain, starting on 27th September.